News: Iowa has secured a signing day commitment from three-star defensive back O’Lontae Dean of Seffner (Fla.) Armwood, who announced his decision to join the Hawkeyes on Wednesday.
Dean becomes the 15th scholarship commitment in Iowa’s 2025 class and the third defensive back to commit, joining fellow three-stars Charles Bell and Drew MacPherson.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, Dean is expected to play safety for Iowa. He chose the Hawkeyes over offers from schools such as Washington, Iowa State, and Louisville, while also having had previous offers from Ole Miss and LSU.
During the fall season, Dean recorded 21 receptions for 547 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he tallied 27 tackles and four interceptions, helping his team achieve a 12-1 record.
Andrew Ivins, National Scouting Director at 247Sports, noted Dean’s performance earlier this fall, highlighting his versatility and potential.
“As colleges refine their recruiting lists ahead of December’s signing period, O’Lontae Dean is definitely a prospect worth considering,” Ivins stated. “Debate may arise regarding his future position, but what truly matters is that he is demonstrating himself to be a very effective football player.”
“In Seffner Armwood’s victory, Dean intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble. He also had a 10-yard touchdown run negated by a penalty. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, Dean is a versatile player with a win-at-all-cost mentality. We were surprised by his impressive range on an interception, as he came across the field to make a play that could have resulted in a touchdown.”
Dean attended the same high school as Iowa freshman defensive back Rashad Godfrey.
What it means: Iowa aims to strengthen its presence in Florida, where there are always overlooked prospects. Dean fits that description as a productive player who excelled on both sides of the ball for a growing program in the Sunshine State. The Hawkeyes have focused on recruiting talent from Florida in recent cycles, and Dean appears to have the potential to develop into a solid player in Iowa City. He is projected to play safety, with the possibility of moving into the CASH role, showcasing a physical style suitable for covering passes and also playing in the box effectively. This late addition is a strong pickup for the Hawkeyes’ class.
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